Method and apparatus for high-temperature dyeing or finishing of a fabric material



Nov. 11, 1969 c. BLOUNT, JR, ET AL 3,477,073

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH-TEMPERATURE DYEING OR FINISHING OF A FABRIC MATERIAL Original Filed Sept. 7, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet l IXK'EXTOR. CHARLES BLOUNT, .112.

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NOV. 1 1, 1969 c, BLQUNT, JR ET AL 3,477,073

, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH-TEMPERATURE DYBING OR FINISHING OF A FABRIC MATERIAL Original Filed Sept. 7, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 C. BLOUNT, JR. METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH-TEMPERATURE DYEING OR ET AL 3,477,073

Nov. 11, 1969 FINISHING OF A FABRIC MATERIAL Original Filed Sept. 7, 1966 3 Sheets-Shem United States Patent METHQD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH-TEM- PERATURE DYEING OR FINISHING OF A FABRIC MATERIAL Charles Blount, Jr., Westport, Conn., and Arno Niepraschlr, Edenton, N.C., assignors to United Piece Dye Works, Lodi, N.J., a corporation of New Jersey Original application Sept. 7, 1966, Ser. No. 577,634, now Patent No. 3,402,577, dated Sept. 24, 1968. Divided and this application Apr. 12, 1968, Ser. No. 720,766

Int. Cl. D06m 1/24 US. Cl. 8-1491 7 Claims ABSTRACT 6F THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure is directed to a method of dyeing and/ or finishing a fabric material wherein the fixation of the dyestuffs or finishing chemicals in the fabric is conducted at elevated temperatures above 212 F. and at pressures above atmospheric.

This application constitutes a divisional application of a copending application Ser. No. 577,634, filed Sept. 7, 1966 for Method and Apparatus for High Temperature Dyeing or Finishing of a Fabric Material.

Heretofore considerable difficulties have been encountered in dyeing and/or finishing fabric material and more particularly fabric material formed of synthetic fibers. A primary difficulty encountered in dyeing or finishing such fabrics was that with known procedures and apparatuses a considerable period of time was required to effect the migration and fixation of the dyestuffs and/ or the finishing chemicals into the fibers of the material being so treated.

In dyeing synthetic fabrics at temperatures of 212 F. and below it has also been heretofore customary to resort to the use of chemical carriers to shorten the fixation time in dyeing such fabrics. The use of such carriers, it has been noted, effected an action which appeared to carry the dyestuffs from an aqueous dispersion thereof to the fiber and thus distribute the equilibrium between the dye bath and the fiber in favor of the dyestuff absorption by the synthetic fiber. However, while the use of such carriers, which are costly, tended to hasten the dyeing process, the fact remained that even with their use the dyeing process was still rendered extremely slow as eight to sixteen hours per dye lot were still required. Also the use of such carriers had the further disadvantage in that the disposal thereof presented additional problems.

It is known that at temperatures substantially above 212 F. the dyeing cycle can be considerably shortened and that the operation can be conducted without utilization of chemical carriers. Heretofore numerous attempts have been made in this connection to develop such hightemperature process and suitable apparatus for conducting the same. The most successful method to date known involves the winding of the fabric about a perforated cylinder and subjecting the material to the dye under elevated temperature and pressure conditions while flowing the dye liquor through the fabric. The practice in such operation has been to alternate the fiow of dye liquor, that is to flow the liquor in the tank through the fabric from the inside of the tank to the outside of the fabric, and then reverse this flow pattern. This method has met with limited success only for several reasons. Thus, extra caution had to be observed to insure that the fabric wound about the cylinder was not creased. Otherwise, the creases would become permanently formed during the dyeing operation. Furthermore the tension of the wind was rendered critical in that too tight a wind resulted in an overload of 3,477,073 Patented Nov. 11, 1969 the power source, and conversely too loose a wind resulted in damage to the material. Also there was a tendency for the fabric to become unevenly shaded along its length and width to result in a condition known in the trade as non-leveling of the dye. This condition is partly due to the filtering action of the several layers of cloth. Thus only loosely woven cloth may be dyed in this manner, as closely woven cloth cannot be so dyed due to the uneven penetration of the dye in and around the fibers caused by the pressure characteristics of the fluid flow through the layers of open width fabric. Also a phenomen referred to as moire can occur during the dyeing operation, with the result that the entire dyed fabric must be discarded or re-dyed.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a method for enhancing the dyeing or finishing of a fabric material in a rapid and expedient manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for dyeing and/or finishing a fabric material wherein the material is initially treated with either suitable dyestuff or finishing chemicals under atmospheric conditions, and in which the dyestuff and/ or finishing chemicals by which it has been treated is fixed thereto under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures.

Another object is to provide a method in which the dyestuff or treating chemicals is fixed into the fibers of the material in a minimum of time and with a minimum of effort.

Another object is to provide a method in which the material to be treated may be dyed or finished in full, open width.

Another object is to provide a method for dyeing or finishing a fabric material in which the dyeing or finishing operation is rendered substantially continuous from lot to lot.

Another object is to provide a method in which the formation of wrinkles and creases is minimized and in which the possibility of moire art designs resulting from the dyeing operation is eliminated.

Another object is to provide a method in which either large or small lots can be dyed without adversely affecting the fixation time thereof.

Another object is to provide a method in which synthetic fibers as for example polyester fibers and polyproplene polyamide Acrylic and the like, can be effectively dyed in a minimum of time without the use of expensive carriers.

The foregoing objects and other advantages are attained by a method capable of dyeing or finishing various fabrics such as stretch fabrics, all cotton synthetic carpets, wool, and synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers and/or the like which are dyeable. In accordance with this invention the method comprises the steps of positioning a roll of fabric material to be treated on a suitable supporting frame and drawing the material therefrom in open width and preheating the material in open width by passing the material over suitable heating cans. The material thus preheated is directed to a pad for dyeing. The material as it is passed through the dyeing pad is then wound in a roll about a roller mounted on a movable stand. With the material so loaded on the movable stand the free end of the dye fabric is threaded from the loading roll on the stand to a takeup roll supported on the stand. The stand so loaded is then positioned into a pressure chamber or vessel whereby fixation of the dyestuff to the fabric is performed at elevated temperatures and pressures. Accordingly, the dyed material is transferred from the loading roller to the takeup roller at elevated temperatures and pressures to effect the fixation thereto. The fixation thus occurs in a time interval necessary to effect the transfer of the material from the loading roller to the takeup roller. To prohibit condensation from occurring within the tank and adversely affecting the material, the pressure vessel is further heated by an auxiliary heater to eliminate condensation.

An apparatus for effectively performing the method comprises a pressure vessel which is sized so as to permit a roll stand to be readily moved into and out of the vessel. To facilitate the insertion and removal of the roll stand from the pressure vessel the pressure vessel is provided with a track means extending along the lower portion thereof and which track means is operatively associated with complementary track means disposed exterior of the tank. The means for effecting the dyeing of the fabric material may be conveniently located exterior of the tank to one side thereof. Accordingly, the means for effecting the dyeing of the fabric includes a plurality of heated cans over which the material to be treated is threaded to effect a preheating of the material. The preheated material is then directed over appropriate guide rollers to a padder in which the material is passed through the dyestuif or treating chemicals. From the dye bath or liquid for chemically treating the material, the material so treated is wound about the loading roller which is mounted on a roll stand disposed in rolling engagement with the track means communicating with the rail means in the pressure vessel. Means are provided for effecting the drive of the loading roller to effect the winding of the material dyed or treated thereon. Cooperatively associated with the loading roller is a takeup roller. The arrangement is such that during the fixation step the material is rolled from the loading roller to the takeup roller. Accordingly, means are operatively associated with the takup roller to effect the rotation thereof during the fixation operation of this invention. With the dyed material properly loaded onto the loading roller of the roll stand, the roll stand is then positioned within the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel sealed. The temperature and pressure is then brought up to the appropriate level necessary for effecting the fixation of the dyestulf or finishing chemicals into the fabric material in accordance with this invention. During the fixation operation the takeup roller is actuated by a suitable drive means to effect the unwinding of the material in full open width from the loading roller to the takeup roller under elevated conditions of temperature and pressure to enhance the fixation operation. As soon as the material has passed from the loading roller to the takeup roller the roll stand is then removed from the pressure vessel.

It will be understood that while the material is being treated within the pressure vessel, a second roll stand may be arranged exteriorly of the pressure chamber for receiving a material to be subsequently dyed. By use of a plurality of roll stands it will be readily apparent that a substantially continuous operation can be effected in that as one lot is being dyed, the preceding dyed lot can be operated upon within the pressure vessel for fixing the treating material into the fabric so treated.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of an improved method for dyeing and/or finishing a fabric material in which the dyeing steps, that is the step of passing the material through the dye bath, is performed under atmospheric conditions, with the material so dyed subsequently being subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures to enhance the fixation of the dyestuff or treating chemicals to the fabric material.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a method wherein the dye is padded onto fabric material in full open width at atmospheric conditions and which material is subsequently subject to elevated temperatures and pressures in open width to effect fixation thereof in a minimum of time.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a method wherein a fabric material may be chemically treated, as for example either for dyeing or finishing, in a manner wherein the operation on successive lots is rendered substantially continuous.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the specification and drawings in which FIG. 1 illustrates somewhat schematically an apparatus for dyeing or finishing a fabric material in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates somewhat schematically a slightly modified form of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan diagram of a trackage arrangement utilized in conjunction with the pressure vessel for rolling of the roll stand internally and externally of the pressure vessel.

FIG. 4 is a detail perspective view of the roll stand.

The present invention relates to either dyeing and/or finishing of a fabric material, as for example stretch fabrics, fabrics made of cotton, wool and/or synthetic carpets, fabrics formed of synthetic fibers as for example polyester fibers and/or the like. According to this invention the dye or finishing solution is first padded onto the fabric. The dye or finishing chemical is then fixed into the fibers of the material under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures.

For purposes of description, the invention will be described with particular reference to dyeing; however, it will be understood that the invention is equally applicable for finishing fabrics by utilizing the usual finishing chemicals in lieu of dyestuff.

Referring to FIG. 1 the material 10 to be treated is preferably supported in a roll 10A on a suitable A- stand 11 which may be portably disposed in a convenient cart or carrier 12. The material 10 to be treated is drawn from the supply roll 10A and is threaded about suitable guide rollers 13, 14 in open width and thereafter threaded about a plurality of heated cans or rollers 15. The cans or rollers 15 may be heated by steam, for example, and the threading of the material 10 to be treated thereabout functions for drying uniformly before padding and to preheat the material to a predetermined temperature to enhance the dyeing or finishing operation. The material 10 is thereafter threaded about suitable tension rollers 16 and a series of guide rollers 17 from whence the material is led through a padder vat 17A that contains the bath of dye solution or the finishing chemicals depending on whether the material is to be dyed or finished.

As best seen in FIG. 1 a plurality of rollers 18 are suitably disposed within the padder vat 17A about which the fabric material 10 is threaded in passing therethrough. The series of rolls 18 disposed within the padder vat 17A are generally utilized to render the material more susceptible to the dye solution contained within the padder vat. The material 10 in exiting from the padder vat 17A is guided between a pair of padding rollers 19. Accordingly, the material in passing between the padding rollers is threaded over a guide roller 20 and is wound about a loading roller 21 which is suitably carried on a roll stand 22. During this portion of the operation the roll stand is exteriorly of the pressure vessel 23, and accordingly it is to be noted that the apparatus thus far described is exposed to atmospheric conditions. Accordingly, the material to be treated in being withdrawn from the supply stand 11 and preheated by means of the heated cans or roller 15 and dyed by passing through the padder 17A is at all times subjected to atmospheric temperatures and pressures.

Preferably a roll stand 22 upon which the dyed material is loaded about roller 21 is preferably mounted on rollers 24 which are adapted to engage suitable rails 25 which are intended to be brought into alignment with rails 26 located on the bottom of a pressure vessel. If desired, the rail 25 on which the roll stand 22 is supported in turn is mounted upon a carrier 27 which is arranged to roll on a trackway 28, 29 disposed externally of the pressure vessel 23. Accordingly, the external tracks 28 may be laterally disposed in a manner so that the carrier 27 and the roll stand 22 adapted to be supported thereon may be moved transversely with respect to the pressure vessel.

Also it is to be noted that the means for treating the material externally of the pressure vessel 23 may be located and arranged relative to the lateral trackways 28 so that one roll stand 22 may be in position for loading while a preceding loaded roll stand may be disposed within the pressure vessel for effecting the fixation of the dyestutf and/or finishing chemicals into the fabric as will be hereinafter described.

Referring again to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it is to be noted that the material in exiting from the padder 17A is rolled in a roll about the feed or loading roller 21 on the roll stand 22. To enhance the feed of the material about the roll 21, a drive means is provided. As best seen in FIG. 1 the drive means for effecting the feeding of the material 10 in a roll about the feed roller 21 comprises a pair of arms 30* which are pivotally mounted on a suitable bracket 31 connected to the body of the roll stand 22. Connected between the free end of the arms 30 is a drive roller 32. A guide roller 33 is rotatably journalled intermediate the ends of the supporting arms 30 of the drive roller 32. Accordingly, as noted in FIG. 1, the material is threaded in open width under the guide roller 33 and over the top and about the drive roller 32 whereby the material is permitted to wrap around the feed roller 21 in the direction indicated.

Accordingly a suitable power means may be operatively connected to the drive roller 32, as for example a motor or the like for effecting rotation of the drive roller in a clockwise position as viewed in FIG. 1. The drive means, as illustrated in FIG. 4, comprises a motor M which is operatively connected to a flexible drive means 50 for driving the drive roller 32. As shown a sprocket or pulley 51 is rotatably journalled about pivot 52 on bracket 31. A driver or complementary sprocket or pulley 53 is connected to the drive roller 32, and a flexible ball or chain 54 is threaded over the respective sprockets or pulleys 51 and 53. The arrangement is such that the motor spindle 55 is connected in driving relationship to sprocket 52 so that the motor when energized drives sprocket 52, and in turn, by way of the chain drive 54, effects rotation of the drive roller 32.

It will be understood that the motor M may be directly connected to the sprocket 51, or in the alternative the motor spindle 55 may be detachably coupled in driving relationship to the sprocket 51. Where a plurality of roll stands are used so that one may be loaded while the other is in place within the pressure vessel 23, as will be described, it is preferred that the motor spindle 55 be detachably connected to the sprocket 51. In this manner only one motor means M is required. That is, whenever the roller stand is positioned at the exterior loading station, the motor means M is suitably coupled to the drive mechanism 50 of the drive roller 32 of a respective roll stand. The drive roller 32 thus being engaged in rolling engagement with the material rolled therearound and with the roll of material being wound around the feed roller 21 causes the latter to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction thereby causing the material to wind thereon. As more of the material is being rolled onto the feed roller 21 the arms 30 supporting the drive roller 32 move upwardly as the diameter of the roll of material increases. As soon as a predetermined amount of material has been passed through the padder rolls 19, and wound about the feed roller 21, the padding operation is terminated.

If desired the arms 30, 30, may be operated upon by a piston and cylinder assembly 56 to effect the raising or lowering of the drive roller as may be required. As shown, one end of the piston and cylinder assembly is connected to the bracket 31 and the piston end, for example, is pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of arms 30, 30. In this manner the raising and/or lowering of the drive roller 32 as may be required may be mechanically actuated.

The flee end of the material thus wound about the feed roller 21 of the roll stand is threaded onto a takeup roller 35 also mounted on the roll stand 22 as noted by the dark lines. A drive means is operatively associated with the takeup roller 35 to effect the transfer of the dyed material from the feed roller 21 to the takeup roller 35. Accordingly, it is to be noted that the transfer of material from the feed roller 21 to the takeup roller 35 is in open width of the fabric. As shown the drive means for the takeup roller 35 is substantially similar to the drive means utilized to roll the padded material about the feed roller 21. As shown, the drive means of the takeup roller 35 comprises spaced arms 36, 36 which are pivotally mounted about a suitable bracket 37, 37A respectively, and which arms 36, 36 have supported therebetween a drive roller 38 with a guide or expansion roller 39 journalled intermediate the ends of the arms 36, 36. Accordingly, the material 10 as indicated in the broken line in FIG. 1 is threaded under the expander or guide roller 39 and over and around the drive roller 38 to wind about the takeup roll 35 when the drive roller 38 is actuated. The actuation of drive roller 38 effects counterclockwise rotation of the takeup roll 35 to effect transfer of the material from the feed roll 21 to the takeup roll 35. In so doing the respective drive rolls 32 and 38 will follow the increase or decrease in the amount of material present on each of the rolls 21 or 35 accordingly.

The actuating means for the drive roller 38 comprises a motor M which is mounted in or on the pressure vesset 23 so that it can be readily coupled to the roll stand when the latter is positioned within the pressure vessel 23. A flexible drive is interconnected between the motor M and the drive roller 38. Referring to FIG. 4, the flexible drive of roller 38 includes a sprocket or pulley 61 rotatably journalled on bracket 37. A pair of connected intermediate sprockets 62, 63 are also journalled on bracket 37, and a sprocket 64 is operatively connected to the drive roller 38. Accordingly a flexible belt or chain is threaded over sprockets 61 and 62 and a second drive chain or belt 66 is threaded over pulleys or sprockets 63, 64. Thus it will be noted that when the motor M is coupled to sprocket 61, the drive thereof will effect the drive of down roller 38.

When the material has been padded and loaded onto the feed roll 21 of the roll stand, and the padded material initially threaded about the takeup roll 35, the roll stand is bodily moved into position within the pressure vessel 23.

As best seen in FIG. 3 the pressure vessel 23 comprises simply a large open-end cylindrical tank sufficiently large to accommodate the roll stand 22 and a closure 23A to effectively seal the same pressure tight. Rail means 26 are located on the bottom of the vessel 23 to complement the rail means 25 supporting the roll stand 22 on the carrier 21. Accordingly, by proper alignment of the rail means 25 and the carrier 27 supporting the roll stand 22 with the rails 26 within the vessel it will be apparent that the roll stand 22 can be readily moved into the pressure vessel 23.

The upper portion of the vessel 23 is provided with a baffle 40 spaced from the upper portion of the tank to define therebetween the space 41 in which a suitable heater 42 is inter-posed. As will be hereinafter described, the heater is utilized to heat the bafiie in a manner so as to prohibit condensation from occurring when the temperature within the pressure tank is elevated above 212 F. by the utilization of steam as the pressure vessel 23 has been brought up to proper pressure. Accordingly, the auxiliary heater 42 minimizes the condensation of the steam within the vessel which is utilized to bring the vessel to the desired temperature. In so doing any condensation is obviated and the danger of water droplets falling on the material during the fixation procedure is eliminated. Accordingly, with the pressure tank operating, the fixation of the dyestuff or finishing chemicals in the material is attained by transferring the padded material from the feed roller 21 to the takeup roller 35. Accord ingly the rate of transfer is maintained at a rate sufficient to effect the fixation of the dyestuffs in the material. Experience has shown with dacron/cotton dyeing that a run of 3000 to 4000 yards of material loaded on the roll stand can be run through a fixation period of approximately 3050 minutes. Therefore with the method and apparatus described the fixation time to effect the necessary migration of the dyestuff into the fibers of the fabric can be expediently performed.

It will be noted that as the fixation portion of the operation is being carried on within the pressure vessel 23 as described, a second roll stand may be brought into position adjacent to the padder vat 17A whereby the loading roller 21 of the second roll stand may be loaded with a padded material in a manner hereinbefore described while the preceding loaded roll stand is within the pressure vessel for effecting the fixation of the dyestuff to the material.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 is substantially similar to that described with respect to FIG. 1 with the exception that the padder vat 17A is bypassed. In this embodiment the dye bath or dyestuff 50 is interposed in the nip of the respective padding rolls 1919. Accordingly, it is to be noted that the material as it is drawn over the heated cans 15 by which it is brought up to a predetermined preheated temperature is then guided over suitable guide rollers 16, 17 through the dye solution 50 interposed at the nip of the padding rollers 1919. Accordingly, the feature of nip dyeing resides in the provision that a constant ratio of dye to material is obtained thereby affording improved padding control.

In all other respects the apparatus and its operation shown in FIG 2 is similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to FIG. 1.

It is to be further noted that the steps of dyeing of a fabric material as hereinbefore described, are similar to the steps of finishing a previously dyed material. The only distinction to be noted between dyeing and finishing of material is the difference in the chemical utilized. In all other respects the procedural steps of dyeing and finishing in accordance with this invention are similar.

The drive for the takeup roll 35 may comprise a suitable motor means or source of power M which may be located within the vessel 23 and remotely operated or it may comprise a source having its output shaft extending through the wall of the pressure vessel and which is arranged so as to be suitably clutched to the operating shaft of the drive roller 38 of the takeup roller 35. The arrangement can be such that whenever the roll stand 22 is properly positioned within the pressure vessel, the output shaft of the power means or source is coupled to sprocket 61. Thus when actuated, the drive roller 38 being operatively connected in driving relationship to the drive means 60 imparts rotation to the takeup roll.

The method utilized by this invention for effecting the dyeing of fabric material and more particularly of synthetic fibers comprises the positioning of a roll A of material A to be treated adjacent a preheating means 15, as for example, the steam-heated cans or rolls, and drawing the material from the supply roll by passing the same over the heated cans as to effect the preheating thereof and to remove any excess moisture from the material. The preheated material is then directed to the dyeing vat 17A whereafter the material in passing from the dyeing vat 17A is wound into a roll about a loading roller 21 mounted on a mobile stand. After a predetermined amount of material has so been rolled upon the feed p.s.i., and while at such elevated temperatures and pressures the dyed material is transferred from the loading roller 21 to the takeup roller 35. In doing so the dye becomes fixed into the fibers of the material so treated. Upon the termination of the fixation time, the temperature and pressure within the vessel are lowered to a point wherein the material may be removed therefrom. The material removed therefrom may be subsequently washed and rinsed and thereafter cleaned and/or prepared for the finishing operation.

It will be understood that the same method and apparatus can be utilized to effect a subsequent finishing operation, the only distinction between the finishing and the dyeing operations being that finishing chemicals are used in lieu of the dyestuffs in the padder vat 17A. In all other respects the method and apparatus are similar.

The functioning of the finishing chemicals is to give the fibers of the fabric a better hand for greater durability. Generally the finishing operation is performed after the dyeing operation has been completed and after the cleaning of the dyed material has been accomplished.

In utilizing the method herein described it is to be noted that the padding which is occurring externally of the pressure vessel for a predetermined amount of material may be performed in 30 to 35 minutes with a fixation time of an additional time ranging in the neighborhood of 30 to 50 minutes for lots ranging of approximately 3,000 yards.

Also, in accordance with this invention, it is to be noted that either large or small lots may be effectively treated without adversely affecting the fixation time thereof.

While the instant invention has been described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated and understood that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of high-temperature dyeing comprising the steps of:

drawing the material to be dyed from a source of supply, predrying and preheating the material, directing the preheated material at atmospheric conditions through a dye bath,

winding the padded material at atmospheric conditions onto a loading roller,

positioning the loading roller with said padded material wound thereon within pressure vessel,

elevating the temperature in said vessel above 212 F.

and increasing the pressure therein to above atmospheric,

and unwinding said padded material from said loading roller to a receiving roller within said vessel at said elevated temperatures and pressures.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein a portion of said material is being padded and rolled onto a loading roller while another portion of said material is being operated upon within the pressure vessel to provide for a substantially continuous operation.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said material is dyed in open widths.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the temperature is raised to a range of 215 to 270 F. and the pressure elevated to between 15 and 18 p.s.i.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including the step of maintaining the temperature of the vessel above the rolled material therein at a temperature sufficiently high to prohibit condensation from dripping on said rolled material within said vessel.

6. A method of high temperature treatment of matetrial comprising the steps of:

drawing the material to be worked upon from a source of supply and predrying and preheating the material in open width at atmospheric conditions,

directing the material to be treated through a solution of treating material, under atmospheric conditions,

winding the treated material into a roll as it emerges from the treating solution under atmospheric conditions,

positioning the roll of treated material into a pressure vessel,

elevating the temperature and prssure within said pressure vessel whereby said temperature exceeds 212 F. and said pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure,

and unwinding said roll of treated material in open width under the elevatedtemperatures and pressure conditions within said pressure vessel, and

rewinding said material into another roll within said vessel.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 and including the step of prohibiting condensation from occurring within the pressure vessel during the unwinding of said material.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES German printed application No. 1,086,203, 8/1960, Svenska.

WILLIAM I. PRICE, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 8-150 

